February 20, 2013 1:24 pm

Forecasters say strong winds are expected through the end of the week, with about a foot of snow dropping in the Central Cascades by Saturday as a frontal system moves through.

The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement.

In Tacoma, temperatures will hover in the mid 40s. Winds today are expected to reach 13 miles per hour and slowly pick up to 22 mph by Friday, with gusts reaching 33 mph, according to the Weather Service.

Showers are possible today and rain is heavy in the forecast Thursday and Friday.

In the Paradise area in Mount Rainier National Park, winds are just as high and daytime highs are 25 to 29 degrees. Several inches of snow are forecast to fall each day, with the heaviest being Friday with 14 to 20 inches.

The road to Paradise is closed today and Thursday but may reopen Thursday, weather permitting.

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